Unfortunately, it is not all too rare for animal companions to remain loyal to humans for far longer than partners, friends or family members. Older people in particular find dogs to be indispensable companions in everyday life.
The mere fact that he owned a dog was a reason for 80-year-old senior Ken Pendagraft from California to leave the house. Daily walks and the company and unconditional devotion of his dog enriched the life of the elderly man from the USA.
According to his neighbours, the man lived a quiet, rather withdrawn life and his animal companion was the centre of his life. But then, after 14 years of loyal companionship, the worst possible thing happened: his beloved dog became seriously ill.
It is no longer a secret that there is a lifelong bond between dogs and their humans.
Pure drama – there was simply no money for the vet
Unfortunately, the pensioner didn’t have the money to pay the vet fees. The man was desperate. Ken even begged the neighbours to come up with money to pay for his faithful dog’s treatment.
Luckily, Carol, one of his neighbours, decided to publicise the situation on social media. Even a rescue organisation quickly got in touch. The founder of the „At-Choo Foundation“, which cares for dogs, did everything in her power.
But the medical diagnosis was devastating. Glaucoma (eye disease), arthritis and a weak heart worsened the health of Ken’s long-time companion.
Sadly, the four-legged friend died a short time later, which was also publicised on social media. Ken lost his animal companion after 14 years and was deeply shocked. The grief was almost infinite.
When a beloved pet dies, people usually feel as if a family member has passed away.
In eternal solidarity – Ken died shortly after his beloved dog
Ken was very grateful for the outpouring of support on social media. The Foundation published a message on his behalf in which he expressed his deep gratitude. However, Ken also spoke of a deep emptiness that the death of his beloved dog had torn into his heart.
Sadly, the pensioner was unable to recover from this stroke of fate and died of a heart attack a few weeks after his dog. A true and very dramatic story from the USA.
Anyone who loses their pet after many years can empathise with the pain that Ken felt. Dogs are much more than pets, they are best friends and companions for life.
